Born and raised in Laredo, Webb County, Texas, Judge Victor Villarreal is the son of San Juanita Villarreal and the late Guadalupe Villarreal. Judge Villarreal is married to Lorena Martinez-Villarreal and the couple has two daughters, Sofia (2) and Andrea (1).

After graduating from Laredo Christian Academy at age 16, he graduated from Texas A&M International University in 3 and a half years. During an internship at the National Science Foundation, Judge Villarreal learned that attorneys have unique opportunities to positively impact people's lives, and a social responsibility to do so. After internships at the United States Department of State and the Texas House of Representatives, he enrolled at the University of Texas School of Law where he became president of the Hispanic Law Students Association – the largest of its kind in the United States at the time. Under his leadership, the Association created the Dean Susan I. Aleman Scholarship at the University of Texas School of Law.

Pursuing his dream to positively impact his community, he returned to his hometown to practice law. In addition to practicing law, Judge Villarreal continued his public service through active involvement in the legal community. He became treasurer, president-elect, and then the president of the Laredo-Webb County Association. Under his leadership, the Association created the Barbara Kazen Scholarship at Texas A&M International University. He continued his public service via being elected director, secretary, and then vice-president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association. Frequently called the “public service branch” of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Young Lawyers Association advances the role of the legal profession by serving the public. True to its purpose, the Texas Young Lawyers Association under Judge Villarreal's leadership brought the Texas Supreme Court to Laredo and Webb County for the first time in the history of the State of Texas. The Court heard oral arguments on a case at Texas A&M International University for the benefit of students interested in the legal profession.

Judge Villarreal served nearly six years on the State Bar Grievance Committee for his local district, and his public service continues by service on the Hispanic Issues Council of the State Bar of Texas and on the local Red Mass Committee.